GTT: 5 Tips For Overcoming Social Media Negativity

According to Merriam-Webster, social media is defined as: forms of electronic communication through which users create online communities to share information, ideas, personal messages, and other content (such as videos). Sounds attractive, right? I mean, communities created to share our ideas and personal messages seems like a fun way to spend your down time. And yet, we find ourselves being inundated with politics, sad news and downright nasty comments when we do something as harmless as log onto Facebook.

Have you been in a perfectly good mood, then looked at social media and found your mood shift towards the negative? I sure have. Whether it was a harsh comment directed towards me, or a negative post that someone felt justified in sending out into the social universe. Some days I find myself feeling the internet does more harm than it does good. Obviously, that’s not the case, but man, it sure can feel that way. You can read something online that will leave you feeling sad, depressed, anxious and sometimes hateful.

What gives? How do we overcome the bad that’s all over the internet? I want to share my practical tips to overcome the negativity.

Pay attention. Have you been noticing a negative shift in your mood when you’re on social media? Perhaps you feel jealousy over someone’s perfect Instagram life. Or maybe you can’t stand reading even one more political post. Recognize if your bad mood is being driven by what you’re consuming online.

Take a break. If you do find yourself feeling down or negative, cleanse! Take a social media break. Delete the apps off your phone. Make it harder to access. And choose a friend to help keep you accountable. See if a break helps improve your tude.

Remember it isn’t all real. When reality tv came on the scene, we began to believe manufactured situations to be truth. The same goes for social media. I bet my right foot not a single one of the gorgeous accounts you follow online is someone’s real life. None of the Pinterest moms really have it all together. You know why? Because no one is perfect. We’re all flawed. We all fall short. But guess what? That’s the beauty of life. We’re all these imperfectly perfect women just trying to live our best lives. Somewhere along the way we were fed the lies that we had to live up to the Pinterest-perfect lifestyles we see online, and we believed it. We conveniently forgot it’s not realistic.

Quit playing the comparison game. Comparison really is the thief of joy (read my post here on this topic.) We women tend to compare everything we have, do and are to others. I believe this dangerous game we play has been going on since Eve was in the garden. Social media has only magnified how big our flaws really are. Instead of enjoying the beauty we see in what other women are creating online, we find ourselves feeling down because we can’t do what they’re doing. We seem to forget that we all have gifts and talents. We only see that someone online is living their life better and prettier than we are.

Establish boundaries. You know that a certain person or account that you follow that leaves you feeling bad about yourself? Unfollow them! Do you find yourself getting wrapped up in comment wars with people you don’t personally know and will never meet? STOP IT. There’s no excuse for behaving badly in real life, so there’s absolutely no excuse for behaving badly on the internet. Thumper said it best in Bambi, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.” That person online who irks the crud out of you? Regardless of how many followers they have, how much money they appear to have, whatever excuse you are using to justify your rude remarks… They have feelings too. They are human, just like you. Publicly posting a nasty remark online doesn’t make you look better and ultimately, it won’t make you feel better either.Set up boundaries for yourself. Commit to following only the accounts that make you feel good. Comment only when you have something positive to say. Be the change this world so badly needs. Choose to see the good, instead of commenting on the bad.

I’ve teamed up with Olay to encourage you to find the good in social media. As always, if I encourage even one of my Gorgeous Girls, then I count my work as successful. Comment below with any suggestions you have to staying positive on social media!

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Olay. The opinions and text are all mine.

12 Comments

Erin

August 14, 2018 / 4:39 PM

Love this!! Yesterday I think it was you posted a picture about not trusting everything you see! So true and just because someone’s life may appear “perfect” on social media doesn’t mean their life is. I have learned that some people only show you what they want to show you. Appearances are deceiving until you really get to know someone. I have recently gone through my friends list on facebook and unfriended a ton of people who are either negative, not close to anymore, don’t have a relationship with them in life outside of social media etc. By the time I unfriended those I wanted to and seeing those left on my friends list I felt relieved and happier. I just try to ignore those who are trolls and negative nancys online. I don’t want their poor attitude to both me. Anyways, as always great post and love your videos and posts! Everyday I look forward to a new 5 ‘o clock funny on facebook! They are awesome! I say keep those who make you feel good about yourself in your life and not be bothered by those who only want to drag you down!! 😊✌️

You are so wise. It has always amazed me how much more hurtful people are over the phone and over the internet. Without being face-to-face, some people seem to feel they can say and do whatever they want since they don’t have to look that person in the eye.
And then there are the trolls who are just down right mean and negative on purpose.
Your recommendations are so good and so real. I was just thinking the other day how just one post made me feel bad or sad after another post had just made my heart happy. I had to catch myself and evaluate what was going on. It’s so easy to get caught up in it. But like you said, it’s not a real world, and we have to remember that. And to not take it to heart. Very good insight and suggestions. Thank you and I’m sorry some trolls have said horrible things to you. I know you know they are not true but it’s still not nice. Their momma should have raised them better! Bless their hearts. Lol!

“It has always amazed me how much more hurtful people are over the phone and over the internet. Without being face-to-face, some people seem to feel they can say and do whatever they want since they don’t have to look that person in the eye.”

Such true words Jennifer. I hate that. Social Media has allowed us to find kindred spirits with similar interests and connect sometimes worldwide. It annoys me so much when someone uses that platform as a curtain to hide behind to spew negativity. It us up to kind hearted ones to build one another up.

You and Matt are doing a great job keeping this site and your posts welcoming to such ones. Keep up the great work.

And may I add ” Anakin is back!!!” I literally squealed out loud. My favorite rendition of Anakin, no knocks to Hayden, to date. All before I even knew who Matt Lanter was. So excited. Congrats on that.

Yes! Yes! Yes! All of this! Love! I’ve had to do all of these before. I’d get so riled up over it all and finally just DO something about it. I realized arguing didn’t do anything except make me dwell on it for days. Then I was reading in 2 Timothy 2, and verse 23-25 jumped out at me and smacked me across the face. It basically says, don’t argue with people!! I wrote down these verses as a reminder while on social media. Also Proverbs 12:25 is a great one to remember: “Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.” 😊
Angela, you are amazing! You are beautiful inside and out! You have a beautiful family, and you share your heart and wisdom with other ladies and that is a blessing to so many! Keep up the good work and know that you are loved by your Creator!

Loved this post, Ang! I’ve definitely unfollowed on Instagram because of how I view my worth whenever I see their page. I’m sorry you have to deal with negativity! My ideas for making the Internet a nicer place is not to engage in any negativity, just ignore it! Compliment the negative person in some way. Above all, remember who God says you are: loved, valuable, worthy!

I appreciate this so much! You are truly inspiring, and you have made such a difference in my journey the past 9 months creating my personal brand. I remember shooting you an email prior to officially beginning the journey, and you responded not only kind but so thoughtful. This stood out. Continue to promote love, hope & peace- because it shows. The noise is just noise and as you said, it is NOT all real.
xx,
Morgs*